The University of Virginia, founded by Thomas Jefferson in 1819, is a state-supported institution with an enrollment of 20,500 students in a community bound by The Honor Code. Located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the University is within three hours of Washington, DC or the Atlantic.

The Department of Intramural Recreational Sports currently has 40 full time faculty and staff positions with a $6.7 million annual operational budget. Facility components include 4 gymnasia, a 50 meter natatorium including a zero depth entry instructional pool, whirlpool and sauna; an outdoor equipment rental/resource center; a 23 acre multi-sports field complex and a 300′ x 400′ artificial turf sports field with lights as well as a high/low experiential learning ropes course. Program components include: intramural sports, group exercise/fitness classes, personal training & massage therapy services, instructional recreation enrichment classes for adults and youth, outdoor recreation, club sports, aquatics, and 8 weeks of summer day camp and tennis programs for children.

According to the 2005 Newsweek / Kaplan College Guide..”All 25 colleges on the Hot List for 2005 provide an outstanding education… what makes them hot are their differences and special traits.” (Kantrowitz,Barbara. 2005.Newsweek 38)

The University of Virginia was rated Hottest for Fitness in 2005.